tasks at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"tasks at hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to jobs, responsibilities, or duties that are currently in progress. For example, "We need to focus on the tasks at hand in order to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was also too busy with the tasks at hand".

The New York Times

We all "worked like convicts" but much fun was had within the arduous tasks at hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mundane tasks at hand were a good distraction from anxiety.

The New York Times

The tasks at hand are too tough and too numerous for that.

The New York Times

It motivates people, especially when the tasks at hand require only effort and no skill.

The New York Times

And you can do it with barely a pause from the other tasks at hand.

The New York Times - Food

Their teaching was informal and organic, flowing out of the tasks at hand.

Harvard Business Review

A referendum now would distract from more urgent economic tasks at hand.

The Guardian

Quirks and twists are part of his personal story and are informing the tasks at hand.

The New York Times

So, the factory seldom needed to use substitute workers, who are less familiar with the tasks at hand.

The New York Times

When she moves from anthropological classification to fantasy, her figures adapt, evolutionlike, to the tasks at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing, list your "tasks at hand" to maintain focus and avoid distractions. This ensures efficient workflow management.

Common error

Avoid using "tasks at hand" as a vague substitute for specific duties. Clearly define each task to enhance clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tasks at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage in various contexts. This phrase refers to the duties, responsibilities, or assignments that are currently being addressed or need immediate attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tasks at hand" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe current duties or responsibilities. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. Its primary function is to emphasize focus and prioritization. When writing, it's advisable to use this phrase to direct attention to immediate goals but avoid overgeneralizing responsibilities. Alternatives like "current duties" or "present responsibilities" can offer slight variations in meaning. Leading sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current duties

Replaces "tasks" with "duties", focusing on obligation and responsibility.

present responsibilities

Substitutes "tasks" with "responsibilities", highlighting accountability.

ongoing assignments

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the tasks.

immediate priorities

Highlights the urgency and importance of the tasks.

pending tasks

Focuses on the unfinished nature of the tasks.

current projects

Replaces "tasks" with "projects", framing the work as larger undertakings.

existing workload

Emphasizes the amount of work currently being handled.

active obligations

Focuses on commitments that are currently in effect.

present undertakings

Replaces tasks with a more formal synonym, "undertakings".

immediate concerns

Highlights the importance and potential worry associated with the tasks.

FAQs

How can I effectively manage my "tasks at hand"?

Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, allocate time for each task, and minimize distractions to maintain focus.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tasks at hand"?

You can use alternatives like "current duties", "present responsibilities", or "ongoing assignments" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "tasks at hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "tasks at hand" is suitable for formal writing, but consider using more specific language if greater precision is required.

What's the difference between "tasks at hand" and "future projects"?

"Tasks at hand" refers to current responsibilities, while "future projects" refers to planned or upcoming endeavors.